Monica Barbaro and Callum Turner’s new rom-com 'ONE NIGHT ONLY' proves polarizing for fans

Imagine a rom-com set on the one day a year when the government declares every intimate connection legally allowed. That’s the hook for One Night Only, where Monica Barbaro and Callum Turner collide under a clock that runs out at sunrise — a high-concept spin that mixes romance, comedy, and a little social satire.

The premise has already kicked up a fight online. As details made the rounds, fans on X split into camps: some calling it ridiculous in a fun way, others rolling their eyes — and plenty comparing it to The Purge with a cuddle.

Reactions on X

That premise is so ridiculous it loops right back around to charming like the one night feels dangerous enough to spark real sparks without any of the next morning regret baked in I've never wanted a fake holiday more — @lucypinkworld

They really said ‘what if The Purge but everyone just needs to get laid’ and then made it sweet. Iconic — @KuroNoesis

Still maybe the dumbest movie premise of the century — @nyafilmguy

A wild premise, but if the chemistry, comedy, and performances land, it might end up being one of the year's biggest surprise hits — @RomeoAlphaX

A premise that sounds completely unhinged somehow turned into a genuinely sweet rom-com. Didn't expect that — @CutXaction

Cast and credits

• Monica Barbaro — credits include Top Gun: Maverick (Phoenix), A Complete Unknown, FUBAR, At Midnight
• Callum Turner — credits include Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, The Boys in the Boat, Masters of the Air, The Capture, Emma

Directed by Will Gluck from a script by Travis Braun, the film is set to open in U.S. theaters via Universal Pictures on August 7, 2026. It’s rated R for sexual content, language and brief nudity, and runs 1 hour and 42 minutes.